Richard Parks launches 'World First' 737 Challenge at the Welsh Assembly

19th July 2010

As former Welsh Rugby international Richard Parks continues his preparation to become the first ever man to stand on 3 poles in one calendar year, a special night at the Welsh Assembly was held to introduce the 737 challenge to dignitaries, local businesses, potential sponsors and members of the media.

 


In December 2010 Richard will start the unique, multi discipline 737 Challenge. A gripping 7 month expedition to climb the 7 Summits, which are the highest mountain on each of the world's continents, and venture the last 2 degrees to The South Pole and the last degree to The Geographic North Pole. All against a 7 month clock!

If successful, Richard will enter the record books as the only person to have stood on all three poles (The North Pole, South Pole and the summit of Everest) in the same year, making his achievement a true 'World First'.
 


Richard, a former flanker for Gwent Dragons and Pontypridd was forced to retire from rugby last year due to injury and is now in his 11th month of training towards his challenge.

The night in Cardiff Bay was a special chance to say thanks and raise awareness of the expedition that lies ahead.
 
Richard stated; “I am thrilled that the Welsh Assembly invited me to hold an event here and I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to share the 737 Challenge with our guests. The aim of the evening was to bring together many people and businesses throughout the region to raise awareness about the challenge and I would like to thank everyone who came along”.